June Pleasant Hill Mayor's Message

May 29, 2017 09:21PM
● By Michael Harris

Michael G. Harris, OD, Mayor, City of Pleasant Hill

Michael G. Harris, OD

Mayor, City of Pleasant Hill

If you're a senior living in Pleasant Hill, you're in
luck when it comes to programs tailored to your needs. Both the city, through
its Commission on Aging, and the Rec & Park District, through its Senior Center,
offer scores of activities just for you.

June is Brain Awareness month, so
the Commission has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association to present three
different one-hour workshops that focus on how to maintain a healthy brain. The
workshops will be held on June 8, 15, and 22, 2-3pm, at City Hall. The workshops
are: “Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body”; “Maximize Your Memory, Tips and
Strategies”; and “Know the Signs, Early Detection Matters”. For
more information or to register, please contact Danielle Habr at (925) 671-5221
or dhabr@pleasanthill.org.

The
Commission puts on other programs throughout the year. They have partnered with
the Senior Center, the Alzheimer’s Association, local churches, AAA, Kaiser,
AllStar Medical Supply, and Pleasant Hill stores and restaurants to provide
free programs and workshops such as “CarFit” and the annual “Family Caregiver
Retreat” (to be held again this fall).

The
Commission also oversees the Pleasant Hill Senior Van Service, an alternative
means of travel for Pleasant Hill seniors (age 55+) run entirely by friendly
volunteers. The fare is $1.50 each way. For more information about
this service, to volunteer as a dispatcher or driver, or to make a ride
reservation, please call the Senior Van Service at (925) 671-5272.

I asked Kendra Luke Diamond, the Senior Center
Supervisor, for a list of some of the programs and events put on by the Senior Center.
Big mistake on my part! I thought I'd get a list of maybe a dozen or so programs.
Instead, I got a list of some 60 programs, including 12 special services, 20
classes, and 24 activities offered to seniors! And this doesn't even include
their Travel Program, which offers four to six trips each month at extremely
reasonable prices.

Through its Care
Management Program, the Senior
Center has the professional resources and staff to help prevent premature
placement of seniors in nursing homes. One of the goals of the program is
to help seniors remain living in their homes for as long as possible or
find alternative housing that is affordable and supports their need for
independence. If you have a parent or grandparent who is facing challenges
associated with the aging process, you can appreciate the importance and value
of this service. You can reach Dana Krider, care manager, at (925) 798-8788 for
more information.

Think of a service that seniors might need and the
Senior Center provides it. Everything from health screening to notary services,
to legal, tax and estate help are available. Classes include exercise programs
like yoga, Tai Chi, and Zumba. If you want to learn how to quilt, do
watercolors, or play the ukulele, classes are available.

There are hiking groups, book clubs, bridge
tournaments, and pinochle. No matter what your age, your physical condition, or
your interest, there is something for every senior. And to take advantage of
all these activities, all you have to do is be over 50 and pay your annual dues
of $20. Yes, that's right, $20 for all these activities and more.

If you're not already a member and taking advantage of
these terrific activities, it's easy to join. Just stop by the Senior Center at
233
Gregory Lane in Pleasant Hill or call (925) 798-8788.

Yes, seniors
in the Pleasant Hill area are lucky indeed to have the Commission on Aging and
the Senior Center and the great programs they provide!